Start by making a list. Whenever you think of something you want to bring, add it to the list. It's a stress-buster!

This list includes the clothes you will be wearing. 
Roll the rest tightly, and you should have room.
Leave some space in your suitcase so you can buy a few things.

Travel light!  If you only have a carry on and a personal item such as a purse, your life will be lots easier!
Airlines allow a maximum size of 9 inches by 21 inches for a carry on. 

Electronic gadget notes:

Electric razors will not work on 220 European current.

Hair dryers will only work if they are "dual voltage," meaning that there is a way to switch them from 110 to 220 current, and you have an adapter to put on the end of the plug. American plugs don't fit into European sockets.

Cell phones in Europe are on a different system from Verizon.  AT&T or T-Mobile may work there, but if it does, it will cost you $1 a minute or more to use it. Leave it home! You can buy a cheap phone card at newsstands and tobacco shops. I e-mail home almost every night.

Cameras- if yours uses disposable batteries, bring extra. If the battery is rechargeable, most digital cameras work on either 110 or 220 current, but the plugs don't fit.  You will need 2 plug adapters, which you can stack, as the outlets are sometimes deep. You still need one extra battery.

• 2 pair comfortable slacks in neutral colors
• 1 pair capris or shorts to the knee
• 4 or 5 shirts to coordinate with the pants
• Skirt for church (ladies)
• Tie for church (men)
• Sweater, not too bulky
• Lightweight rainproof jacket, preferably with a hood
• Umbrella, collapsible (optional, I don't take one)
• 4 sets underwear
• 5 pair socks
• 1 pair walking shoes to walk 10 miles daily
• 1 pair sport sandals to walk 5 miles
• Swimsuit, just in case
• Scarf or neckwarmer for warmth
• Modest PJ's, can double as warmup suit
• Toiletries in a bag.  Creams, lotion, shampoo, etc., must be in small containers no bigger than 3 ounces and put in a one quart Zip-lock plastic bag.  You will have to send this baggie separately through the security scanners.
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Glasses & contact lens supplies
• Medications in the original container
• Copies of essential prescription w/ generic name
• Sunscreen (small)
• Washcloth, thinner dries fast (hotels don't provide washcloths in Europe)
• Woolite or liquid soap to wash out clothing
• Clothesline to hang up laundry in your room
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Passport (must be good 6 months past your return)
• Driver's License (proves your age for discounts)
• Student or faculty ID card (gets discounts)
• 2 credit cards w/ number PINs.
  You will get local currency at ATM's
• Photocopy of above cards, including backside
• Money belt, worn under your slacks
• Cash, maybe $300. I only take $60, & use ATM's
• Camera, lots of memory, extra batteries, charger
• Plug adapter for camera charger.  Most digital cameras work on either current, but the plugs don't fit.
• If using film, figure 1 roll per day
• Small journal to record treasured experiences
• Pen, pencil, postits, small pad of paper
• Envelope for receipts
• Lists of addresses for post cards
• Pictures & postcards of your home and family
• Small daypack or bag for everyday
• Baggies & Ziplock bags (handy for organizing)
• Small flashlight
• Good book to read